The idea — and process — of identifying, shaping, and promoting a particular image of a city or neighborhood has come to the fore in both the academic and popular press. It’s called “branding.” A few notes from the Editor.

Many of us probably remember those visions of the amazing, high-tech future — often common at Worlds Fairs from the 1960s and earlier. But how do these visions of the future actually pan out? Scott Dikkers provides an entertaining look.

An amazing, student-initiated art project along 1200 feet of U.S. Route 322 at the gateway to Meadville, Pennsylvania shows how college, community, and even a state department of transportation, can creatively work together.

Over 2.5 million Americans are expected to die this year. Yet planners and planning commissions too often fail to give serious attention to cemetery needs. A look at the role of cemeteries in our communities, and issues that come up in planning for them.

Our Winter and Spring 2006 issues featured 25 bright ideas on a wide range of topics — ranging from walkable neighborhoods to meeting workforce housing needs, from commissioners “on tour” to how art can transform a street.